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Sunday action hinges on Kempton inspection

By Bruce Jackson 6:24PM 19 JAN 2013

THE only remaining meeting for punters to get stuck into on Sunday is subject to an inspection at 9am.

Kempton's additional meeting came to the rescue on Saturday, when all four scheduled fixtures in Britain were abandoned, but while Naas provided a double header on Saturday, Irish racing will not do likewise on Sunday due to the loss of Fairyhouse.

With Towcester called off on Thursday, only Kempton is left standing to give racing a presence on a day when punters have the attraction of Premier League clashes between Chelsea and Arsenal, and Tottenham and Manchester United.

Kempton survived two inspections on Saturday morning but a threat of between 2-5cm of snow on Sunday morning means the track is again subject to an official look.

Speaking after the meeting on Saturday acting clerk of the course Sarah Dunster said: "There is a 9am inspection because of the forecast of snow overnight.

"They are forecasting between two and five centimetres and at around 7am, although it has been changing. If it is around that time, and that amount, it should not be a problem as it will give us plenty of time to work the track, as we have done today."

She added: "The team has done a sterling job today, having been in at 5.30am and cleared three inches of snow from Friday and the overnight addition of an extra half an inch to get racing on."

As cold temperatures, snow and rain continue to wreak havoc, there will be no jumps racing in Britain or Ireland until Tuesday at the earliest, although prospects for Wetherby that afternoon are "slim", with heavy snow expected.

With Catterick and Exeter doubtful for Wednesday, Ayr's additional fixture may well represent the return of jumps racing in Britain. Limerick is also due to race that day, with the Thyestes Chase-featured meeting at Gowran Park on Thursday.

The ground at both those tracks on Saturday was heavy. Limerick's forecast is mainly dry, but wintry showers and frosts could threaten Gowran.